Toyota Tacoma Common Problems

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission slippage and rough shifting. Common symptoms include the transmission slipping or shifting harshly, especially into second gear, and vehicles becoming stuck in 4LO mode while off-roading. Many complaints describe these issues occurring shortly after purchase, often within the first 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several owners experiencing loss of power and propulsion, which could lead to potential accidents, particularly in traffic or off-road situations. Prospective buyers should be aware that these transmission issues appear in both hybrid and non-hybrid models, with some cases requiring significant repairs or replacements.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the transmission, including jerking, hesitation, and improper shifting. Symptoms often described include the vehicle struggling to accelerate, especially uphill, and a noticeable vibration when slowing down, typically between 40 to 0 mph. Many complaints mention these issues occurring at relatively low mileages, such as around 12,000 to 44,000 miles. Some owners also report safety concerns, such as unintended acceleration and loss of power, which could potentially lead to dangerous driving situations. Prospective buyers should consider these reported issues, particularly if purchasing a used model within this production year.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the fuel pump, which often fails at various mileages, including as low as 7,084 miles and up to 63,000 miles. Common symptoms include stalling at high speeds, rough idling, hard starting, and the vehicle being unable to restart after stalling. Some owners mention receiving recall notices but face delays in obtaining repairs due to parts unavailability, leading to extended periods without the use of their vehicle. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of near-miss collisions and vehicles stalling in traffic, though only one incident involved a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and assess whether the fuel pump has been replaced or if the vehicle is still awaiting recall service.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with brake fluid leaks, particularly from the brake master cylinder into the driver-side cabin, leading to a loss of braking power. Complaints describe symptoms such as the brake pedal going to the floor, the ABS and traction control lights activating, and in some cases, the vehicle failing to stop unless the emergency brake is engaged. These issues often emerge around 22,000 to 64,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes due to brake failure. Buyers should be aware of potential master cylinder defects that may not be covered under existing recalls, despite similarities in symptoms.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

SERVICE BRAKES

Multiple owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma report issues with brake fluid leaking into the cab, often from above the brake pedal, which can affect braking performance. Complaints frequently mention that the brake pedal requires more force to engage and sometimes goes to the floor, indicating potential brake system failures. These issues are often observed around 49,000 to 87,500 miles. Some reports associate these symptoms with previously recalled components, but several vehicles experiencing these issues are not covered under the recall. Safety implications are significant, with five reported crashes and one injury, highlighting potential loss of braking control. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering a 2018 Tacoma, especially regarding brake system inspections and recall status verification.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, particularly concerning the low-pressure fuel pump. Common symptoms include a strong smell of fuel in the cab, sudden loss of power while driving, stalling, and the inability to start the vehicle. Many complaints reference issues occurring around the time of a recall announced in January 2020, with some owners experiencing ongoing problems despite recall repairs. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe stalling at high speeds, which poses a risk of crashes. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring fuel pump issues and verify if recall work has been completed effectively.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues related to a recall involving the service brakes, particularly concerning brake fluid leaks and loss of braking power. Typical symptoms include brake pedals traveling to the floor, brake warning lights, and messages indicating a loss of braking power. These issues often occur at various mileage points, with some reports mentioning problems as early as 8,644 miles. Safety implications are evident, as two complaints involve crashes, one resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of ongoing parts availability issues for the recall repair, which has left several vehicles unrepaired for extended periods.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the transmission and clutch. Common symptoms include transmission hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and difficulty with gear shifting, often occurring at speeds between 30-60 mph or during acceleration from a stop. Some manual transmission owners describe clutch pedal problems, especially in cold weather, and both manual and automatic transmission users report issues with throttle response and engine stalling. These issues often appear as early as 8,000 miles and can persist beyond 57,000 miles. Safety concerns arise from the potential for loss of power or unintended acceleration, which could lead to dangerous driving situations. This information is particularly useful for used car buyers assessing the reliability and performance of the 2018 Tacoma's power train.